Hi Everyone! My name is Brianna. I’m 13 years old, I’m in the seventh grade and I live in New Jersey with my family. I’m also a cancer survivor and the Hyundai Hope on Wheels National Youth Ambassador – that’s my picture on this website and on all of the signs you’re seeing at Hyundai dealerships telling you about Childhood Cancer Awareness month. As the National Youth Ambassador, I have the chance to help Hyundai Hope on Wheels spread the word about how important it is to help kids fight cancer. And being a kid with cancer is something that I unfortunately know a lot about.

In 2007, when I was 9 years old, I was diagnosed with stage IV Hodgkin’s lymphoma. From that day on, my life has completely changed. Believe me when I tell you there is nothing fun about being a kid with cancer.

I am really happy to be in remission and cancer free for almost two years now. While I was going through treatment, it was really hard to stay positive, but I always tried to think about what I would do when I was cured. I wrote a lot and kept a journal that I called "My Journey to Wellness." I thought about fun things that would happen in my life when treatment was over, like a special vacation to go on or having a wish granted. I spent a lot of time planning for the future. Even when I was sick myself, I knew that helping other kids with cancer would always be important to me. Kids need to know that there is always an end in sight and life does get back to normal.

That’s why Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is so important. It really helps kids and their families fighting cancer to know that there are people out there supporting them. I hope that my story can bring hope to other children and their families fighting cancer and inspire people to support childhood cancer research. I hope that you will share my story with your families, friends and people in your communities to help me and Hope on Wheels spread the word about fighting childhood cancer. Through our dedication maybe there will be a day when no child will have to hear the words, “you have cancer.” And that will truly be a day to celebrate.